Persepolis Reading Check #4

What did the local news report about the war? What does Marji realize about this information?

Destroyed 13 Iraqi planes. Marji realizes the government is exaggerating/lying because the army isn't as powerful as they claim.

What was Marji’s motive for breaking her parents’ rules?

She wanted to fit in with the older kids.

What was Marji’s destination? What was its reputation? How do you think it was able to survive the regime’s repression?

Jordan Avenue. It was known as a place where wealthy teens hung out. It survived because many rich kids continued gathering there.

How would you describe the relationship between Marji and her mother?

They often clash and do not see eye to eye. Marji is rebellious, and her mother worries about her and acts strictly.

Describe the efforts made toward bringing an end to the war between Iran and Iraq.

Iraq proposed a settlement, and Saudi Arabia offered to pay for reconstruction.

What was the motivation for launching an attack on Karbala?

Iran refused an imposed peace and continued the war effort.

What did the survival of the regime depend upon? What was the human cost of this survival?

The regime depended on the war. The human cost was the loss of many lives.

How did the regime become more repressive?

Internal enemies were eliminated, allowing the regime to tighten its control.

What was Marji’s symbolic act of rebellion? Describe her interesting response.

She smoked a cigarette. She viewed it as a declaration of independence and adulthood.

In what ways has Marji become an adult?

She has been pushed out of her comfort zone and has become more independent and rebellious.

What had become a bigger conflict than the war against Iraq? How does this manifest itself?

The internal conflict within Iran became bigger. People who opposed the regime were persecuted.

How long were the borders of Iran closed?

Three years, from 1980–1983.

What surprising philosophical comment does Marji make to her parents? What is your reaction to her statement?

She says she no longer needs her parents. This shows her growing independence and rebelliousness.

In front of the hospital, what request is made of the Iranian people? What is the double meaning here?

People are asked to give blood. It refers both to donating blood and sacrificing for the war.

People in need of hospital care face a dilemma: describe this problem.

Many needed treatment abroad but required government permission to leave the country.

How did the government delegate positions of power? Describe the encounter between Marji’s aunt and the Minister of Health.

Positions were often given based on religious loyalty rather than expertise. The minister emphasized appearances and authority, such as growing a beard and dressing the part.

Where did many of the seriously wounded travel for treatment? Why is this ironic?

Germany. It is ironic because Germany supplied chemical weapons used during the war.

What is Taher’s only wish? What prevents him from realizing his dream? Ironically what happens three weeks later?

He wants to see his son again. His injuries and lack of a passport prevent him from leaving. Three weeks later, he dies and his passport arrives afterward.

When did Marji’s parents receive their passports? What was one provision listed?

They received them after Taher’s death. One provision was that travel to occupied Palestine was forbidden.

What problem do Marji’s parents face as they return from their trip to Istanbul? How does Marji’s mom show her ingenuity?

They needed to hide Western posters and other forbidden items. Her mother sewed the posters into her coat.

How does Marji’s reaction to the Kim Wilde poster reinforce an existing conflict?

She wants to emulate Western culture, highlighting the conflict between Western influences and religious restrictions.

How did Marji’s mother compare to other Iranian mothers? How does Marji’s relationship with her mother seem to reflect typical parent-child issues?

Her mother was more permissive than many Iranian mothers. Their relationship reflects common parent-child conflicts over independence and rules.

How had Iran’s food shortage been resolved? What was appealing about Gandhi Avenue?

The black market had expanded. Gandhi Avenue was appealing because people could find banned goods there.

What was the purpose of the Guardians of the Revolution? What happens when they encounter Marji? How does Marji respond?

They enforced Islamic laws and morality codes. They stopped Marji because of her clothing and appearance. She lied convincingly to avoid punishment.

Why will Marji have to go before the Committee? What would happen there? How does Marji avoid going before the Committee?

She is accused of violating dress and behavior regulations. The Committee could punish her. She invents a story that persuades the guards to let her go home.

Analyze Marji’s behavior when she returns home.

She acts as if nothing happened and celebrates by dancing, showing relief and defiance.

What was the new strategy? How does the author characterize Iranians? How does she characterize her father? Her mother?

The new strategy involved using ballistic missiles. Iranians are portrayed as resourceful and resilient. Her father is logical and practical, while her mother is emotional and protective.

What did the sirens signify? What did Marji realize for the first time? What does this show?

The sirens warned of incoming attacks. Marji realizes she could actually die. This shows her growing awareness of the reality of war.

How does the picture on the top of page 137 reflect the mood? Where does Marji’s only hope lie?

The image reflects despair and fear. Her hope lies in attending a French school in Tehran.

What motivated the Baba-Levy family to stay in Iran? Why is this so unusual? What was Neda’s dream? What ultimately happens to her and her family?

Their ancestors had lived in Iran for centuries, and they considered it home. This was unusual because many people were leaving. Neda dreamed of becoming a singer. She and her family are killed in a missile attack.

What happened to Iran’s economy during the war? Is this unusual?

The currency lost value. This is not unusual during a prolonged war.

How does Marji’s mother attempt to protect her daughter? How does Marji discover the truth? What does the last frame on page 142 reflect?

Her mother tries to keep her away from the bombing site. Marji sees Neda’s turquoise bracelet in the rubble and realizes what happened. The final frame reflects grief and the horror of war.

How did Marji’s life change after Neda’s death? How did she behave in school?

She became more rebellious and reckless. She challenged teachers and spoke out more aggressively.

What did Satrapi learn about the government in her new school? How did she respond?

The school denied the existence of political prisoners. Marji challenged this claim by mentioning imprisoned relatives and questioning the official narrative.

What happened to Niloufar? Why? How do you know? What is Marji’s reaction?

Niloufar was executed because of her political beliefs. Evidence comes from what her family is told afterward. Marji is devastated and angry.

Where do Marji’s parents decide to send their daughter? Why? What is Marji’s reaction?

They send her to Austria because it is safer and she can continue her education. She is shocked and emotional but recognizes the necessity.

What is her grandmother’s advice to her?

If people are cruel or unfair, it reflects their shortcomings, not yours. Remain honest and maintain your dignity.

Who made up a large segment of those leaving the country?

Young people, especially boys. Many adult men stayed because they could be called to military service.

What is Marji’s last memory of her parents before leaving?

Her mother is overwhelmed with grief and her father is in tears. His face is darkened with sorrow as they say goodbye.